An 18-year-old student from Maharashtra’s Hingoli allegedly died by suicide a few days after appearing for the NEET-UG re-test, police said on Thursday. Authorities are now investigating whether there is any connection between the incident and the national-level medical entrance examination.The student, identified as Sushil Dhage, lived in the Ashtavinayak Nagar area of Hingoli city. According to police, he jumped into a well at around 10.30 am on Wednesday.Before taking the extreme step, Sushil recorded a 33-second video message on his mobile phone for his mother. Quoting the message, a police official said Sushil said: “I am going to commit suicide, and you (mother) should not take tension. In my next life, I want to be born as your child. Be with Sumedh. I am sorry.”During the initial investigation, Sushil’s family told police that he had found the NEET re-examination paper difficult. Based on the information provided by the family, police are examining whether the exam had any role in the incident.An official from the Hingoli City police station told PTI, “The family’s complaint talks about the NEET re-examination. We are investigating the case and examining whether there is any connection between the examination and the incident.” Police have registered an accidental death report and said the investigation is continuing.The NEET-UG re-test was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 21 after the earlier examination held on May 3 was cancelled amid an ongoing probe into an alleged question paper leak. More than 22 lakh students were expected to appear for the re-examination.
